The Heineken Cup took centre stage once this weekend as countdown to the eagerly-awaited British & Irish Lions tour to Australia continued.

As we all tick off the days until the team depart Down Under, ESPNscrum will cast an eye across the action and pinpoint those players eligible for the elite tourists who are pushing their selection claims with strong performances. But luckily there is still a lot of rugby to be played until the squad board the plane for Hong Kong and plenty of time for hopes to rise and fall.

The Ireland international produced a lively display as his side went down narrowly to Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin - making good yardage with ball in hand and weighing in with an impressive ten tackles including a potential try-saver.

Following his successful England debut last weekend, Burns shifted into the centres for much of Gloucester's Amlin Challenge Cup triumph over London Irish. He went on to score 24 points, including a try, in a hugely impressive display.

The young Irish fly-half failed to earn his first senior cap during the autumn internationals but on this composed showing it is only a matter of time before he dons the green of Ireland and may be, at some stage, the red of the Lions.

A key cog in an efficient Connacht forward effort that helped bag a famous euro scalp in the form of Biarritz. The Ireland international second row picked up the Man of the Match award for his outstanding effort.

The Munster openside produced an outstanding and inspirational display against Saracens. The mix of power and flair that he offers is sure to be rewarded further by Ireland and maybe the Lions in the coming months.